The Miss Nebraska Pageant is a few months away and contestants are working hard to prepare for the competition.
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The Miss Nebraska Pageant is a few months away and contestants are working hard to prepare for the competition.
The Miss Nebraska Pageant is a few months away and contestants are working hard to prepare for the competition.
The pageant takes place June 7-10 in North Platte.
Former KETV anchor/reporter Brandi Petersen provides a weekly blog of the contestants. Updates will be available below:
Kogan Murphy isn’t a parent, but she wants the same thing for every child she comes in contact with… so those children don’t go through what she did as a teenager.
Photo courtesy Jenn Cady Photography
Miss Douglas County 2017 Kogan Murphy
“I was bullied for years in middle and high school,” Kogan told me recently. “I struggled alone for nearly five years before anyone stepped in to help – they just didn’t know or couldn’t see what was happening to me. There were days I feared for my life and days I couldn’t leave the house, let alone feel safe enough to go to school. Although I triumphed by working with people who supported and cared about me, not everyone is so lucky.”
It seems like these stories are everywhere these days, happening to people you would never predict as the target. Kogan is a gifted ballet dancer, a gorgeous blonde, a confident and mature young woman. Why would anyone bully her? It’s a question Kogan has asked for years, and one she intends to find answers to and solutions for.
“I have spent over seven years now researching, living, visiting, speaking and gathering information on bullying,” said Kogan. “I was a victim of both harassment and physical violence. Unfortunately, as is often the case with technology, the harassment didn’t end when I got home at night. A large portion of my bully’s attacks came through online channels and social media. I have spoken to many different age groups and types of people about bullying and it continues to become a more and more important issue that is still so relevant today.”
Kogan found a powerful weapon against her bully when she was 17.. in the form of a crown. That was the first time she competed for the title of Miss Illinois.
“I still felt very lost after being bullied, “said Kogan. “What most people don’t realize is that even after the bullying stops and the problem is ‘resolved’, there is still a lot of work to be done. It took me years of trying to get my school grades up and figure out who I was again. Each time I competed, I felt like I was a little bit closer to finding myself again.”
Kogan held multiple titles within the Miss Illinois Organization, but took a year off when she moved to Omaha and joined Ballet Nebraska.
“I have been dancing for 21 years,” said Kogan, who has since performed professionally in productions including Swan Lake. “Dancing has always been a great way for me to express myself and I love getting the opportunity to perform. I also choreographed my solo for Miss Nebraska and it is very special to me.”
Kogan discovered the Miss Omaha/Miss Douglas County pageant in her new home, and decided to refocus on the organization that had done so much to build back up her self-confidence.
She was crowned Miss Douglas County last fall, and was immediately surrounded with a network of people offering constant friendship and encouragement no matter life’s circumstances.
“The people you meet during your year, the people who volunteer their time and money to make this organization all that it is, and then of course, the mentoring,” said Kogan. “Over the past 6-7 years being involved in this organization I have met countless young women that I have looked up to and admired and then been able to take on that ‘big sister’ role myself with many little girls and my ‘pageant families’!”
For Kogan, this has also been an opportunity to try prevent other kids from traveling the same rough road she had to. She visits classrooms, youth groups and dance classes all over Eastern Nebraska sharing her personal platform: ‘Respect: Changing the conversation about bullying.’
“I feel so lucky that I have been given the opportunity to have a voice and share my story,” said Kogan. “Having a dramatic personal experience gives me the credibility and relevance to connect with kids and adults alike; I’ve been there. I have been hurt, afraid for my life and embarrassed. No one should feel afraid to go to school, leave their house or feel as if their life does not matter. I am proof that there is a way out and a way back to having confidence in yourself. Let’s bring RESPECT back to the conversation. Everyone deserves the right to feel loved, appreciated and wanted in this world.”
AGREED. I think that’s why I was so touched by what happened in that gym last week. My hope is that not only did Ellie and Kaleb feel loved and supported, but that all of their friends saw the value in loving and supporting others. I was only a bystander that day, but I left that gym feeling like I could conquer the world.. and that our world was an accepting, beautiful place. Love multiplied again and again that day, and I hope the lasting memory every single one of those children will have is that smile on Ellie’s face. I hope they all realize they can do that throughout their whole lives; they can impact someone’s life by simply being KIND.
It’s a message Kogan Murphy will continue to spread through her words, through dance, and she hopes, as Miss Nebraska 2017.
“This organization has not only shaped me into the woman I want to be but it continues to encourage me to be the best version of myself,” said Kogan. “I am very much at a place where I would love to dedicate a full year and serve the wonderful state of Nebraska through this organization. My goal and mindset is to always be the very best version of myself, enjoy every moment and know that timing is everything.”
Miss Georgia 2017 DeAnna Johnson was a showstopper during last week’s preliminary competition in Las Vegas. She is curvy, healthy and CONFIDENT. Miss USA host Ashley Graham, the first plus size model to appear on the cover of Sports Illustrated, grew up in Nebraska to become one of today’s most sought after muses, and just launched her own swimwear line ‘For All’. And one of this year’s Miss Nebraska contestants is not only working to become healthier, she is proudly sharing that journey to help inspire others.
Photo courtesy Jenn Cady Photography
Miss Queen City of the Plains 2017 Jaicelyn Shakespaere
“One of my favorite quotes is from Miss America 2001 Angela Perez Baraquio Grey,” Jaicelyn told me recently. “<She said>: ‘Before any barriers are broken, you have to break it for yourself. It’s so cliche to say, oh, believe in yourself, but if you don’t believe in yourself, you’ve already lost. For me to just believe that I could was enough.’ I want to make sure that throughout this experience as a titleholder, I am believing in myself. We as humans are all pretty harsh critics. It is important to put that belief that we can do things and believe that we can strive to make a difference in the world, no matter how big or small.”
Jaicelyn has competed in the Miss America Organization before, a woman born to speak her mind and destined to perform. Now living in West Point, she was crowned Miss Queen City of the Plains at one of Nebraska’s first local pageants last summer, and somehow, that moment sparked a new fire within her.
“When preparing for pageants I never really focused on the fitness portion of the competition,” Jaicelyn posted on Facebook. “This time around I decided that it was time to change. I started right after I was crowned Miss Queen City 2017 at 240 pounds. Now I am currently 190 pounds. I feel more healthy and have more energy than I ever have before. This wasn’t just a diet for me, but a lifestyle change. I neglected to take care of myself for years. But throughout this adventure I’ve realized how important self-care is, both physically and mentally. My weight loss journey has been a hard one, but it’s been completely worth it.”
50 pounds GONE. I cannot adequately express how incredible that is, and the dedication and hard work that kind of progress requires. Yet, those are traits Jaicelyn has showcased repeatedly as Miss Queen City, particularly through her personal platform #Hopelist: Spinal Muscular Atrophy Awareness.
“Spinal Muscular Atrophy is a genetic disease that affects the motor neurons and makes it hard for the afflicted to move their muscles,” said Jaicelyn. “SMA is a very rare disease. In June of 2013, my cousin, baby Mathis, passed away from Type 1 SMA when he was only 9 months old. When he was diagnosed with SMA, my aunt and uncle decided to create a #Hopelist. This was a list of different things that focused on making memories with Mathis before he passed away. I believe it is so important for people to make goals and have dreams. As Miss Nebraska, I will help educate people about SMA, as well as help people create #Hopelists of their own.”
Jaicelyn notes this is what kept her coming back to compete for a Miss America Organization title, to serve others, visit people and share her platform.
She’s organized group efforts to make finger puppets for young SMA patients. She’s delivered cookies and Valentines to National Guard soldiers. Jaicelyn has spent countless hours in classrooms and kids’ clubs, encouraging them to eat healthy and stay active.
“I’ve been able to put myself out in the community and make a name for myself,” said Jaicelyn. “As a titleholder, I’ve also been able to meet countless people both in [my] community and across the state. That’s something I always look forward to whenever I volunteer or have appearances, is the fact that I constantly get to meet new people.”
And when they’re lucky, Jaicelyn performs for them.
“I remember the day I fell in love with music, “said Jaicelyn. “I remember vividly as a young girl, waking up on Saturday and hearing Angel by Shaggy. I walked out into the living room and saw my dad standing behind his DJ equipment with the biggest smile on his face. In that moment, I could see how much he loved music and the power music could have on an individual. [This] gives me the opportunity to convey my love of music with the audience. As a titleholder, I’ve had countless occasions to share my talent with others and those experiences are the ones I’ll remember for a lifetime.”
Jaicelyn also notes the other perks of competing for Miss Nebraska; scholarships that are helping pay for her education at BYU-Idaho, and friendships through both our state program and the Miss Utah Organization.
“[I am] spunky, energetic,hopeful and I have a BIG personality,” said Jaicelyn. “I enjoy being in the company of other people, whether it’s striking up a conversation with a stranger at the store or speaking in front of hundreds of people, that is just how I am and where I am most comfortable. I love to laugh and something even more rewarding for me is to make others laugh. Through this organization I’ve received incredible support from my family, friends and people all over!”
We all face challenges, and so often we say to ourselves ‘I can’t do that because <insert excuse here>’.
I’m not smart enough to apply for that job.
I’m not talented enough to get that part.
I’m not thin enough to compete for Miss America.
Jaicelyn Shakespaere tells herself I have as many hours in the day as Beyonce.
For every excuse, she instead finds inspiration.. sharing the stories of women like Malala Yousafzi, Frida Kahlo de Rivera and Rosa Parks. Each raised the bar a little higher, pushed themselves to do more and cleared a path for those who follow their lead. In a way, Jaicelyn is doing the same thing as Miss Queen City of the Plains. Competing for Miss Nebraska, and really, life’s journey in general, isn’t about being the skinniest or the anything-est. It’s about becoming the best version of yourself.. and Jaicelyn, singing Superwoman on International Women’s Day, is doing just that.
Even when I’m a mess, I still put on a vest, with an S on my chest, oh yes. I’m a Superwoman.
YES SHE IS.
Photo courtesy Temple Duarte Photography
“Since I’ve been competing, I’ve had the dream of competing on the Miss America Stage in Atlantic City. Competing in the Miss Nebraska pageant is helping me get one step closer to achieving my goal and crossing yet another item off of my #Hopelist,” said Jaicelyn. “I am going to be completely and 100% myself. I want to show the audience, judges and fellow contestants the best ‘me’ that I can be. I loved myself beforehand, but I love myself even more now, which I never thought could be possible. Win or lose, I’m going to show people what I am made of, what I stand for, and make sure I give it my all.”
Photo courtesy Jenn Cady Photography
Miss Chadron 2017 Shaniah Freeseman
“I’ve learned over the years that it’s okay to not sweat the small stuff, and to just enjoy life,” Shaniah told me recently. “It’s too short to waste time away with worries and regrets.”
Shaniah has faced some tough choices over the years, namely her decision several years ago to move from one parent’s home hundreds of miles away to another. As Shaniah described to me last year, this move didn’t just include changes at home; everything in her life was new and different.
“Leaving wasn’t easy; I moved to a new school, with all new people, and was the ‘new girl’ in a small town,” said Shaniah. “It took a lot out of me emotionally and multiple problems arose. I didn’t truly find myself until I was a sophomore in high school when I was tired of being the one who no one really knew.”
It was around that same time Shaniah discovered something called the Miss Nebraska’s Outstanding Teen Organization.
“The minute I heard about it, something sparked my interest,” said Shaniah. “It wasn’t the dresses or the makeup, it was more of what the organization offered. I have always loved to help people and I’ve always had a drive to share my statement with others. I saw this as the perfect opportunity to help build my own character and find my true self, along with helping others throughout it all.”
Shaniah served as Miss Alliance’s Outstanding Teen 2015, Miss Panhandle’s Outstanding Teen 2016, and in this, the first year she was eligible, was crowned Miss Chadron 2017 and an official contestant in the Miss Nebraska Pageant.
“At state, I’m going to have the best time ever, make amazing friends and endless memories,” said Shaniah. “No matter what the outcome, it’s the experience that’s important to me and gaining experience will help me and my future as I continue this journey.”
A journey Shaniah is taking full advantage of, and appreciating, every step of the way.
Shaniah has volunteered from one end of city limits to the other in her adopted hometown of Gordon, Nebraska. She visits classrooms and civic groups, hoping to connect with everyone she meets with, especially children. She shares her platform, ‘Overcoming Adversity in Order to Be Your Best’, and uses her own story to ensure her message resonates with everyone.
“In addition to emotional and social adversity, I’ve also faced physical adversity,” said Shaniah. “I was a three sport athlete and I’ve overcome two significant injuries in basketball that set me back, one almost ending my athletic career for good. It was a hard decision for me, but I chose not to play basketball my senior year. As tough as [that decision] was, through hard work, exercise and nutrition, I have gained everything back from my injury. I am at full strength and have received a full ride volleyball scholarship.”
And for Shaniah, there’s no coulda woulda shoulda. The time she might have been on the basketball court, Shaniah spent focusing on her new title and preparing for Miss Nebraska.
“I am a firm believer that pageants give young women the opportunity to gain many lifelong skills and attributes,” said Shaniah. “From personal experience, I can honestly say that I have become a more well rounded person, enhancing my poise, confidence and leadership skills from my years of competing.”
At the end of Trolls, after countless displays of love, perseverance and bravery, Poppy is named Queen. Shaniah, who describes herself as confident, driven and compassionate, already has her crown… and her journey is just beginning. Sometimes, all any of us needs is a reminder we all have happiness inside, a light brighter than any dark. Poppy, and Shaniah, remind me to crank up my radio and put Can’t Stop The Feeling on repeat.
“My mission is to share my story of struggle and strife with those who have some sort of adversity they’re facing,” said Shaniah. “There is always a person there to listen and there is always a way to get through something even if it seems like it’s impossible. I understand firsthand how hard it can be to have the confidence to overcome something that seems impossible. But with my continued faith and my determination to become better, I have achieved the goals that I set for my life and continue to reach every opportunity I can.”
This is an event where the people are art as much as the garments. Every designer chooses different models based on that collection or their aesthetic. You will see rail-thin and plus-size women, translucent skin tones to the darkest ebony. This showcase is a spectacular rainbow of color and life, a display of the array of beauty God created in so many different types of people.
This year, you’ll see the same thing at the 2017 Miss Nebraska Pageant.
The Class of 2017 spans from barely 5-feet to almost 6-feet tall (without heels!). We have dancers and singers, a SLAM poet and a violinist, pianists and a sign language artist. They are young women with various backgrounds and ambitions, as different on the inside as they appear outside. It’s something one of these contestants is not just proud of, she’s made the message of diversity her mission during her time as a Miss Nebraska titleholder.
Miss Western Nebraska 2017 Devin Owens
“My platform ‘Representation Matters: The Importance in Being Present’, focuses on the importance of diverse role models/leaders/representatives in media, film, systems of government, our communities and beyond,” Devin told me recently. “With race, gender/sexuality, and religious issues being at the forefront of many of the national conversations/debates that we are having, it’s important to ensure that all are accurately, fairly and equally represented in various spaces.”
This is Devin’s first year as a Miss Nebraska titleholder, though she previously represented Nebraska in the Miss Black USA Ambassador pageant. Devin attracted media attention multiple times in that roll through her work to empower girls across the Omaha area.
“In the summer of 2015 I hosted the first ‘Queens For A Day’, which gave 20 young women from across the state the opportunity to feel like the queens they truly are,” said Devin. “Our day began at Memorial Park where we had a photo shoot with a professional photographer, and rode off to the spa in a VIP limousine. Once we arrived at the spa, each girl was able to get either a pedicure or manicure, we loaded back on the limo, and we went to decorate crowns.”
This was the continuation of work Devin began in 2014 when she founded Project Poise, a leadership initiative for young women in need, focusing primarily on low income/needs based areas.
“Operating out of existing nonprofits, elementary and middle schools and after-school programs, I bring tailored programming to each site and work with young ladies on developing their core strengths,” said Devin. “Everyone has leadership potential, and my goal is to help these young ladies discover, embrace and grow within in their leadership potential. I’ve had the privilege of working with over 250 young women in the last three years, and I am looking to impact even more as we delve into 2017.”
Devin has studied at both the University of Nebraska Lincoln and Omaha campuses, she’s worked at 10/11 News and now at the Peter Kiewit Foundation. So why add to an already busy schedule by competing for Miss Nebraska?
“Overall I was once again ready to utilize the platform to serve and lead that the Miss Nebraska Organization offered and pageantry at large offered,” said Devin. “Upon winning the title of Miss Western Nebraska, I am really eager to learn more about the western portion of Nebraska that I haven’t been able to see as much residing in Omaha and Lincoln most of my life.”
Devin hit the ground running, lining up school visits to speak to students from all areas and backgrounds. She’s also extremely active on social media, stressing not only the work she is doing, but spreading the word about Miss Nebraska Organization sponsors and opportunities.
“I want those who are skeptical to know that we work hard, really hard, and are all passionate about the communities we serve and the platforms we advocate for,” said Devin. “For many of us, we wear multiple hats; whether that’s as students, employees, entreprenuers and more. I personally balance a full time job, being a student while paying my way through school, my own nonprofit organization and pageantry, not even considering personal or social obligations. While the many roles often leave little time for a personal life, I wouldn’t have it any other way. One of my favorite quotes is, ‘Example is leadership’, and therefore I recognize the grave importance of my presence and activism in my community and state.”
And while Devin’s main objective has been to empower others, she says she herself has been empowered by the experience, and the women she’ll compete with in just over a month.
“I am overwhelmed by the immense amount of opportunities to learn and serve my state,” said Devin. “One of the most important things to me when being a participant in a pageant is being able to walk away a better person than when you started the journey. Having the opportunity to compete in three very different pageant systems, I must admit my favorite thing about the Miss Nebraska Organization is the sense of family I get from my sister queens, volunteers and state directors. I was nervous to enter another pageant system so ‘late in the game’ as I am 22 years old, but never once did I feel alone or isolated in my journey. It’s been a blessing to be surrounded by such amazing women from across the state.”
Our goal as volunteers who recruit women to compete for Miss Nebraska is to find the best representatives of our state and reward them for their hard work, talents and service. We don’t consider race, how much money a girl has, where she’s coming from or where she’s going. We are blind to who a young woman is when she reaches out to us saying ‘I’d like to learn more’, and we are willing to help anyone and everyone to become the best versions of themselves.
Still, I’d be lying if I said it didn’t warm my heart this year to see a rainbow of little girls look up to our titleholders, maybe thinking ‘she’s just like me… and I can be just like her when I grow up.’
“When I close my eyes and dream of being Miss Nebraska, it’s an opportunity that I’d be so blessed and humbled to have,” said Devin. “I think about the potential lives I could impact, and bringing awareness to my platform on a large scale, it’s kind of scary, but an opportunity of a lifetime. Each member of this Miss Nebraska class brings something so unique to the forefront when considering who will represent our state next, so in any circumstance, the outcome will be great!”
Photo courtesy Kathy Rae Photography
One of our key contributors, Midland University, is offering every single contestant, regardless of how they finish, $15,000 annually. That’s a guaranteed $60,000 for every, single Miss Nebraska contestant if they are accepted into Midland University. One young woman’s mother approached us to confirm this was all true, and when we said yes, she said she almost cried. Her daughter, Courtney, is going to Midland next year.
Photo courtesy Jenn Cady Photography
Miss Fur Trade Days 2017 Courtney Pelland
“I want people to know the Miss America Organization is not based on how beautiful we are,” Courtney told me recently. “Overall, this organization provides scholarships for the girls who compete to help with college debt. That is a huge deal.”
Courtney, a senior at North Platte High School, has witnessed the positive attributes of the Miss Nebraska Program for most of her life. She and her family have been involved with nearly every facet of the program including Host Family, Little Sister, Teen titleholder, and now a Miss titleholder. Courtney has also been mentored by several Miss Nebraska’s, including Miss Nebraska 2009 Brittany Jeffers and Miss Nebraska 1999 Becky Smith.
“When I was 14, I wanted to start competing, but the only issue [I faced] was my shyness,” said Courtney. “Halfway through my freshman year of high school, my Nana (my dad’s mother) passed away, five days before my birthday. My Nana always loved pageantry and wanted me to one day compete for the title of Miss Nebraska.”
Now she will. Courtney was crowned Miss Fur Trade Days last fall, in her first year eligible to compete for Miss Nebraska. Volunteering has been a key element for Courtney in both her Teen and Miss roles, because she knows personally the impact one person can have. In January of 2015, Courtney was admitted to the hospital, in dire need of blood.
“I was diagnosed with iron deficiency anemia; I was given two units of blood that day,” said Courtney. “Eventually I was diagnosed with Celiac Disease, but I also realized how important it is to donate blood.”
And Courtney has been taking that message across her hometown and beyond. She’s spoken to students and groups, she’s organized blood drives in North Platte, she’s partnered with the American Red Cross to strengthen her impact, and she shares powerful statistics and stories on social media, hoping to compel others to donate.
“My favorite part of the organization doesn’t have anything to do with the actual competition,” said Courtney. “My favorite part is being able to give back to my community in a different way. A crown and sash don’t define someone, it’s about all of us girls making an impact on someone. I have a friend who says the reason he donates blood is because of what I had to go through. I am involved with this program because I want to make a difference in this world and help others out.”
Courtney makes appearances and volunteers at events in addition to an incredibly active personal schedule. She works, takes part in musical, is a member of the Pacers Dance Team, trains with the Dance Factory in North Platte.. and she’s preparing for high school graduation next month!
“I am a very busy girl and always on the go,” said Courtney. “Being this busy I have to be very organized with the things I have decided on. Once I put my mind to something, nothing can stop me. If I want it I will do everything in my power to achieve that goal or get to where I want to be.”
Courtney credits the Miss Nebraska and Miss Nebraska’s Outstanding Teen
Organizations for helping her meet those challenges, and find support along the way.
“This organization has pushed me out of my comfort zone and into this bubbly, caring girl,” said Courtney. “I have learned that it is okay to state your opinion, ask questions and show the world who you truly are. I am now able to go up to random people and hold a conversation without even thinking about it.”
“On top of me finding my true self, I have formed some incredible friendships across the state,” said Courtney. “Miss Chadron Shaniah Freeseman and I are sister queens this year, and I have been blessed to have a girl like her by my side. She has become a sister to me. This type of friendship is the one I hope every girl is able to form.”
Making long-lasting friendships is one of Courtney’s ultimate goals for her experience this year leading up to and at the Miss Nebraska Pageant. She wants to network, make her hometown proud, and use the life lessons she’s learned on this journey as she attends Midland University to major in Fine Arts Management this fall. She’ll also have a little help every step of the way… some extra cash in her pocket thanks to the Miss Nebraska Organization, and some extra love in hand as she competes for her state title.
“Every time I compete in a pageant, I have a buckeye to remind me of Nana, and I always carry it around before my interview,” said Courtney. “Knowing that she is by my side drives me to compete and to make a difference in this world.”
Now, an example of COURAGE. A woman who not only accepts mistakes, she shares them to empower others to shrug their shoulders, learn and move on.
Photo courtesy Jenn Cady Photography
Miss Twin Rivers 2017 Emma Wilkinson
Though I had interviewed Emma last year during her time as Miss Chadron’s Outstanding Teen, I had never heard her perform. When she sang at the 2016 Miss Nebraska’s Outstanding Teen Pageant.. this was me in the audience.
Emma won 1st runner up, an honor in large part due to that extraordinary vocal performance. It’s something she’s quite accustomed to; a senior at North Platte High School, Emma’s earned the lead role in school productions, she’s a member of the NPHS Pacers dance team, and and she’s competed in multiple vocal and dance competitions. 
Just this week, Emma shared a clip of her performance as part of a high school music contest. BUT… she also noted on the same post, ‘this was before I forgot the words.’ She wrote: After working for a month, I let myself down when I forgot many of the lyrics due to nerves and poor confidence. I walked away extremely upset with my performance. • I have chosen to take this experience as a lesson. All I can do from here is work harder next time, show up with confidence, and hope that I prove my worth. • Always take each experience as an opportunity to become a better you, no matter the end result. #motivationmonday#missnebraska2017“
Emma Wilkinson will turn 18 years old tomorrow.
“My platform, ‘Rethink Your Drink’, is focused on informing children of alcoholic parents that they are not alone,” Emma told me recently, noting alcoholism has touched her family as well. “Once I reached the fifth grade, I made a best friend with similar experiences to my own. We shared our struggles and helped each other cope with the pain brought about by alcoholism. Addiction does not have to debilitate a child’s aptitude to achieve success and I want to spread those words like wildfire, especially to those who need to hear them most.”
Emma has visited several schools throughout the North Platte area to share her story, her message carrying extra weight as a local girl who will compete right in her city at this summer’s Miss Nebraska Pageant. As she told me last year, it was those former Miss Nebraska’s (namely Brittany Jeffers and Becky Smith-Wagner) who greatly impacted her life as she grew up.
“I hope to reach every person when making appearances by sharing the negative effects that alcohol can leave on everyone,” said Emma. “Children are often informed about alcohol in elementary school, but I feel like they forget about the dangers of alcohol once they are surrounded by it in high school. This is about spreading awareness of alcoholism in order to make people realize that it is not a rare occurrence.”
Emma is also already taking her title statewide, including a 8-hour roundtrip trek to Omaha to take part in the Miss Nebraska Princess Party fundraiser last month. Emma and Miss Fur Trade Days Courtney Pelland left North Platte early, met dozens of little girls at the event, and drove BACK to North Platte the same day to take part in a dance team gala the same night.
“The amazing thing about the Miss Nebraska Organization is that it brings together poised, confident and beautiful young women from all over the state to catalyze positive change,” said Emma. “Whenever I see one of our girls at the Children’s Miracle Network Hospital visiting patients, I hold a huge smile on my face because this is what we’re about; making a positive impact within every life we can.”
“My social skills and confidence have improved the most through appearances and performances,” said Emma. “My main goal is to use my platform as a tool to serve as a mentor to those who are affected by alcoholism, but I also want to continue to grow as a person through this organization. I am one of the youngest in the pageant this year; I have so much more to learn and I trust this will help me become the best woman I can be.”
A woman who aims to be warm and open to others. A woman who is open-minded and remains positive, despite challenges and hurdles she has come across throughout her life.
“I do not judge someone based upon their values and beliefs,” said Emma. “Everyone has been raised in different ways and has gone through different struggles; it is incredibly important to me that we accept people as they are.”
Someday, I want to sing the anthem again just to prove to myself that I will not let one embarrassing moment define me. And if I feel those nerves, that fear, bubbling up again… I will remind myself of this amazing young woman, suck it up, smile, and rock every single lyric. Here’s hoping I make my hometown as proud of Emma Wilkinson is making hers.
###a href=”https://www.facebook.com/brookebutterfieldphotograhy/?hc_ref=SEARCH” target=”_blank”>Photo courtesy Brooke Butterfield Photography
“I sometimes get upset when people think that our pageant is all about beauty, but I’ve realized, maybe it is about beauty; the beauty found within,” said Emma. “Through any circumstance, I try to remain as positive as possible. Any challenge can be overcome and I like to live through those words within every aspect of my life.”
Kaelia Nelson was born with a mother and grandmother deeply invested in the Miss Nebraska Organization, so it seems fate that 20 years later, the girl with the name that means fortune, health and spirituality will compete for that title.
Photo courtesy Jenn Cady Photography
Miss Alliance 2017 Kaelia Nelson
“I have attended every Miss Nebraska Pageant since I was born,” Kaelia told me recently. “My mom was the director of the Miss Alliance Pageant for many years and would have the state titleholder come to our town and speak at schools. I was lucky enough to get to spend a lot of time with them.”
Kaelia admired each young woman through the years, in particular, Miss Nebraska 2001 Tina Foehlinger.
“I connected with her,” said Kaelia. “I looked up to her so much and realized I wanted to have the opportunity to have that impact on young girls and be a positive role model in their lives.”
So Kaelia set out to follow the same path; she served as Miss Alliance’s Outstanding Teen 2012, and represented Nebraska at the America’s Homecoming Queen competition in 2015. Just as Tina traveled the state with a message, Kaelia also used her titles to make a difference about a topic that is extremely personal.
“‘Stomping the Stigma: Creating Conversations about Mental Illness.’ I live with anxiety, depression, bipolar and obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD),” said Kaelia. “People are afraid to step forward and admit to having a mental illness because society has made it such a taboo thing to the point where people are afraid to even talk about it.”
Kaelia has produced and distributed shirts, she’s spoken to classrooms all over her area about mental illness, and she’s caught the attention of local news agencies who have helped her spread her message.
With each visit, there are smiles and laughs, but there is also a serious story.
“On June 5, 2016, I tried to take my own life,” said Kaelia. “I felt extremely alone and hopeless in the battle against my own illnesses. Individuals are scared of what people may think of them and therefore, do not seek treatment. The consequences can be life threatening. I never want anyone else to feel alone or ashamed like I did, especially not for something they cannot control. This is why I have made it my mission to speak out and share my story in hopes that people will see and understand that it can happen to anyone and it definitely not something to be ashamed of.”
Kaelia shares the stats: that suicide is now the 10th leading cause of death in the United States, with 90% of individuals facing mental illness. She shares what works: treatment, medication, and focusing on passions. For Kaelia, that’s dance.
Photo courtesy the Miss Alliance Pageant
“I have been dancing since I was three years old,” said Kaelia. “The feeling I get when I’m on stage dancing and hear the crowd cheering is something so amazing and thrilling for me.”
Kaelia dances at Nebraska Wesleyan University, where she’s a member of Delta Zeta- Beta Tau. She also works at CEDARS in Lincoln, a facility dedicated to helping children in crisis. She’s surrounded herself by support, and reciprocates by offering that same guidance and compassion whether she’s volunteering as Miss Alliance, or working and studying as simply, Kaelia.
“I used to be very shy and absolutely hated talking in front of people,” said Kaelia. “Due to bullying I faced throughout growing up I was very self-conscious and thought that I wasn’t as good as others because of things that made me ‘different’, but thanks to be involved in pageants I became very confident in myself and what I am capable of. I know exactly who I am and that my differences, along with everyone’s differences, are what truly make us all unique and special in our own ways. In fact, the world would be quite boring if we were all the same.”
So who is Kaelia? A self-motivated dynamo packed into a 5-foot frame. A determined student and volunteer from Hemingford, Nebraska inspired by the same young women she’ll be competing against in just a few short months at Miss Nebraska. A smart, confident woman admired by the same little girls she was once like not so long ago.
She’s now in her fourth decade as one of music’s biggest stars. She’s sold millions of records and performed around the world. She once said, “I have the same goal I’ve had ever since I was a girl. I want to rule the world.”
Each of us given a name. Perhaps we take from those book definitions the things we see within ourselves, or want to see. Another meaning behind the name Kaelia: victory. THIS Kaelia’s definition of that word comes from what she sees in every person she meets along life’s journey.
“I would absolutely love to win Miss Nebraska and get to represent this amazing state, but my main goal isn’t about the crown on my head,” said Kaelia. “Instead, the message I have to share and the people I get to meet because of it. It’s what you set your mind and heart to that will count in the long run.”
Let’s just say Camilla was a tad excited to meet Miss Nebraska Aleah Peters and to try on her crown. This was one of my favorite moments from the weekend, when nine of this year’s Miss Nebraska contestants joined Aleah for an Omaha Princess Party as part of our #MissAmericaServes campaign.
This event raised an estimated $250, money that will be used to create care packages for open heart surgery patients through Abriendo Corazones, a mission founded by a medical team at Children’s Hospital and Medical Center. An incredible cause very close to my heart, made even better by seeing the looks in these little girls’ eyes as they got to meet ‘real life princesses’!
Who was your role model growing up? My husband adored sports icons like Bo Jackson and Michael Jordan. I was obsessed with celebrities, from the stars of Beverly Hills 90210 to New Kids on the Block and Boyz II Men. Children are sponges and find inspiration everywhere, often zoning in on the people and things they are interested in.
Miss Kearney 2017 Jessica Shultis
“I wholeheartedly believe that if you are going to do something it is essential to give 110%,” Jessica told me recently. “I have been involved in athletics my entire life. I believe that greatness is truly constructed when no one is looking. It is the work that you put in behind the scenes that pays off in the long run.”
This is Jessica’s first and only year competing in the Miss Nebraska Pageant. At 24, she’s already filled her resume with accolades from Centura High School, college at both Doane and the University of Nebraska – Lincoln and now graduate school in Doane’s Masters program. Jessica is a multi-sport athlete, qualifying for state competition as a high school student and competing as a collegiate basketball player while completing her undergrad degree.
“Basketball has always been a large part of my life,” said Jessica. “I recall getting a Little Tikes basketball hoop for my fourth birthday and stomping around the house in my dad’s basketball shoes. As a little girl I dreamt of being a professional basketball player. I had the opportunity to play basketball at the youth, junior high, high school, elite and collegiate level. I have been had the opportunity to coach high school basketball. Through basketball, I learned the value of perseverance, positivity and teamwork. As a little girl shooting hoops in my parents’ driveway, I never thought that one day the lessons I learned from basketball would help me overcome one of my greatest obstacles: cancer.”
Jessica describes a frustrating sophomore year of college, a time filled with countless doctors visits and tests. Her diagnosis: her body is predisposed to form tumors, a condition Jessica says she will face for the rest of her life.
“Without basketball, I’m not sure I would have possessed the mental strength to persevere through the following year,” said Jessica.
So when crowned Miss Kearney last fall, Jessica decided to combine the two systems that helped her face her diagnosis: basketball and Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals. She calls her platform ‘Hoops For Hope: Supporting Children’s Miracle Network.’
“I am able to coach fundamental camps for today’s youth while raising funds to support an amazing cause,” said Jessica. “All of the proceeds from the camps directly benefit the children and families at CMNH.”
When she’s not hosting clinics in cities across Nebraska, Jessica is working on her Master’s degree, preparing to explore PhD programs in psychology. She also has two jobs; as a mental health technician at Mental Health Crisis Center in Lincoln and as Cinderella, visiting classrooms and children throughout her community.
“I love to smile and laugh,” said Jessica. “I truly believe that laughter is the best medicine. Moreover, I love to make other people smile because life is too short to be anything but happy and if I can be the reason someone smiles then I have done my job as a fellow human being. My goal is to become Miss Nebraska and hopefully Miss America, to transform my statewide fundraiser into a nationwide fundraiser. Both of these titles allow the women to reach countless people and make a significant difference in their lives, which is what I aspire to do. The appearance opportunities also allow young women to gain confidence while promoting a cause that is important to them. This helps young women grow and give back!”
“The Miss America Organization is so much more than a beauty pageant,” said Jessica. “It is a scholarship program that encourages young women to achieve greatness both personally and academically. I want to encourage young girls to step outside their comfort zone and compete. I will be forever thankful for this experience.”
Maybe your little girl wants to be a princess, too. Maybe she wants to be an Olympian. Maybe she wants to cure cancer.
The thing is.. she doesn’t have to choose. Little girls can grow up to be women who do it all.
Miss Kearney Jessica Shultis is proof of that.
“As I have grown up I have discovered who I am and what I want out of life,” said Jessica. “My experiences have shaped the woman that I am today and I am extremely comfortable with myself. In a society where media outlets constantly tell women ‘they aren’t good enough’, I believe it is essential to love yourself for who you are.”
Photo courtesy Jenn Cady Photography
Miss Nebraska State Fair 2017 Jenni Wahonick
“My goal as a titleholder in this organization is to meet as many people as I can and to help change the stigma that comes with ‘pageantry’,” Jenni told me recently. “I strive to be kind, intelligent and passionate about serving. I hope the people I meet are left feeling that the Miss America Organization is much more than just women in swimsuits. It is also my goal to use the credibility of my crown to help in every way I am able – whether this is educating, giving my time, or just putting a smile on someone’s face.”
For this young woman, pageants are not just something that take place every few months to win a tiara for the trophy case. This is Jenni’s second Miss Nebraska local title, meaning for 13 months and counting, she’s been on-the-go nonstop speaking, serving and advocating for the causes important to her.
She spent her Valentine’s Day delivering surprises to veterans. She’s delivered food to those in need on the holidays. She’s helped Shriners raise money. When I interviewed Jenni last year (click here to read more!) she told me she’d volunteered for more than 40 organizations in about four years time. Jenni did all of this while attending the University of Central Missouri with a 4.0 cumulative GPA.
“The Miss America Organization has been an excellent networking tool for me but I think the biggest thing I have gained is a sense of purpose,” said Jenni. “I have a better understanding of how my words and actions influence others, which makes me more deliberate in what I say and do. I have always participated in service work, and viewed myself as a leader in my community. However, being a titleholder gives me more credibility and I feel I am able to make more of an impact.”
From the beginning, Jenni has connected with and focused on two groups in particular.. children and people with special needs.
“My platform, ‘Celebrating Abilities in the Differently Abled’ is a product of my experiences working with the special needs community for the past 10 years,” said Jenni. “I began helping the special education classroom in 8th grade as a way of getting out of PE. That class ended up being my favorite part of the day. I loved how I could escape my own worries and focus all my attention and love on someone else. Whether I’ve been a teacher, a camp counselor or working at a group home, I’ve noticed there is an emphasis on what a person with a disability can’t do. Instead, I’ve found it to be more productive to focus on their strengths. Everyone has abilities and everyone has disabilities. It makes more sense to simply appreciate a person for who they are.”
And when it comes to kids, Jenni adores every little nugget she comes in contact with, often as her alter ego, Cinderella.
“I feel that I have a unique outlook on what it really means to wear a crown because of my experience as a princess character at the Omaha Children’s Museum,” said Jenni. “When I am in a ball gown and tiara, children hang on to every word I say. One day, a mother of one of my regular visitors at the museum pulled me aside to thank me for complimenting her child’s glasses. She said at first her daughter hated the glasses, but after hearing me compliment them a few times, she thought they were great. That is when I realized how much power I had to influence a child’s life. An opportunity like this should never be wasted. I she a responsibility to use this power to teach children and make them feel special.”
Jenni will combine those passions in her chosen career; she graduated top of her class in December with a degree in Special Education. That field has also inspired her talent for the Miss Nebraska stage, a slam poetry performance summarizing her passion for teaching.
“I am a teacher because I made a choice to be and I have a high GPA because I’m passionate about that choice so I work hard,” said Jenni. “When I present my talent, it never fails that someone comes up to me after to let me know hat my words resonated with them. People will tell me that they are a teacher too, or that their mom was a teacher for 40 years and would have loved to hear it. Performing a talent with meaning is empowering and I love how it feels to make a difference.”
It’s all about connection.. and that is where Miss Nebraska State Fair Jenni Wahonick truly shines.
For every appearance she’s made, Jenni has taken the opportunity and extended that exposure tenfold through social media, spreading her messages about inclusion, education and the value of community service and encouraging others to do the same.
Those Valentines Jenni delivered to veterans? They were supplied by a local business.. one of countless donations and sponsors Jenni has secured through marketing her title. Asking for help is never easy, but this gal is a flesh and blood kickstarter campaign proving that when you support a Miss Nebraska contestant you’re not enabling a beauty queen, you’re investing in a young woman’s impact on the world.
“This organization makes me a better person. Every aspect of competition makes me a more well-rounded, healthy individual,” said Jenni. “I make healthier decisions and appreciate my body for what it can do. I take time every day to educate myself about what is going on in the world around me. I am more aware and confident of who I am, and I am better able to articulate that in a professional setting. I am excited to wake up and make a difference every day.”
In 2016, Miss Nebraska contestants were awarded $39,700 in cash awards, more than $25,000 in college scholarships offered, and more than $25,000 in gifts and services. That’s in addition to what is offered at the local level, and what Miss Nebraska is eligible for at Miss America. All of that happens thanks to incredible businesses and donors across Nebraska, selfless volunteers who bring them into our world, and incredible women like Jenni Wahonick who give them something (and someone) to believe in. She may not have an MBA (and darn proud of her Education major!) but this girl is taking care of business in her final push before taking the Miss Nebraska stage.
Photo courtesy Rachel Evans
“When asked which point of the Miss America Crown is my favorite, I have a really hard time deciding between service and scholarship,” Jenni wrote on Facebook last week. “As a special education teacher, I have found the most value in my life helping others. I also think scholarship is so important though. Not just getting good grades, but loving the process of learning and growth. We are so blessed to live in a country where we are provided an education. We are able to explore ideas like philosophy, art and psychology. How incredible is that? I’m so grateful for my education and the opportunities I’ve had to help others.”
Like so many, I struggle with my weight and nutrition. I lose weight, then I lose interest and lose control. I’m an emotional eater. Pretty sure my body is 99% coffee instead of water. When I was 18, I could get away with eating Chex Mix and Mt. Dew for breakfast. Now, a few trips through the Runza drive-thru and the only thing that fits are my husband’s sweats (and he gets grumpy when I steal them!) But aside from how I look and my confidence, my health has started to suffer because of my less than ideal lifestyle. I feel like I’ve been sick in some form since early November.. and just after Christmas, I contracted strep throat. A trip to the ER, 2 rounds of antibiotics and a week in bed later, I promised myself I was going to start doing a better job taking care of the body God has given me.
I’ve been trying Beachbody on the advice of my friend and stunning beauty, Amanda Soltero. One of her challenges to kick off 2017 included 3-Week Yoga Retreat with Vytus. I tried it.. and became hooked. I LOVE the way yoga makes me feel. I love awakening the muscles I used to stretch in gymnastics as a kid. I love realizing I can touch the floor with my hands, or now keep my legs straight in downward dog. I love when I automatically sit up straighter at my desk because the practice has already improved my posture and carriage. Most of all, I love the RETREAT that yoga has provided me.. a chance to breathe deeply and for 30 minutes a day dissolve all of the stress and burdens that have piled on throughout the other 23 hours.
For a young woman from Omaha, this is a message of health and wellbeing she’s understood for quite some time.. one she’s now taking to children across eastern Nebraska.
Photo courtesy Jenn Cady Photography
Miss Omaha 2017 Wellesley Michael
“I am currently a yoga teacher and went through children’s yoga teacher training this summer,” said Wellesley. “Both of those experiences led me to mindfullness. I then continued my training on mindfullness with [my platform] ‘Mindful Schools: Peace Begins With Me’.”
“I’ve always admired the women that have been in the Miss Nebraska Organization,” Wellesley told me recently. “Then, when I was old enough, I felt as if it was time for me to stand up and be a leader and role model like the women who have been in the system before have been for me.”
“Mindfullness is the act of paying attention on purpose without judgement,” said Wellesley. “I’ve spent a large part of my year so far going to schools and working with students on techniques to help them breathe, focus, listen and just feel good! In a world that is so chaotic and go-go-go we have to find a way to slow down. It’s healthy! Mindfulness brings that stillness we are often missing.”
Wellesley is also a frequent visitor to Children’s Hospital and Medical Center, delivering blankets over the winter holiday and bringing in Valentine’s Day crafts for patients this week. She’s also partnered with businesses like Yogurtini in Lincoln to raise money for the Children’s Miracle Network, the Miss America Organization’s community partner.
“Three words to describe me are driven, organized and focused,” said Wellesley. “Goal setting is one of my favorite things. When I set a goal I dig in right away and figure out what it takes to get me to my dream.”
CLICK HERE to hear more from Wellesley during a guest appearance with Matt Tompkins on News Talk 1290!
These are the character traits Wellesley hopes stand out to both children and adults, attributes she credits in part to her participation in the Miss Nebraska Organization.
“This organization has helped me to clearly articulate my opinions and beliefs without fear,” said Wellesley. “It has given me experience in skills I will always need such as interviewing and networking. I go into a lot of situations with more confidence than ever because of this organization. The fact that I get to even put on the Miss Omaha crown and sash and meet so many amazing people around my city is unreal to me. The whole experience is a dream come true.”
Wellesley is clear: her big goal is to become Miss Nebraska. However, she is also mindful of the big picture. Wellesley is a University of Nebraska-Lincoln student majoring in advertising/public relations and journalism and has authored her own fashion/pop culture blog for several years.
“Beyond the pageant world, I hope to one day combine my loves of journalism and yoga to work for a wellness magazine or website like The Yoga Journal or mindful.org,” said Wellesley. “At the state pageant, my plan is just to do my best and get people thinking about mindfulness and all of its benefits.”
Wellesley and her fellow titleholders will be the first to tell you, just as yoga isn’t just ‘stretching’, competing for Miss Nebraska isn’t just slapping on makeup and waving your hand in parades. They spend hours in the gym every week. They dedicate countless hours to people and causes they care deeply about. They study, they work hard, they plan. But at the end of each day, Wellesley also remembers to breathe deeply and to reflect.
“Here’s a mindfulness tip before I go. I do this everyday,” said Wellesley. “Take five minutes, mute your phone and listen to your breath. Maybe you say ‘inhale, exhale’ with each breath or count how many times you breathe. Thoughts will come up and that’s ok! After five minutes sit for a minute and notice how you feel.”
On behalf of this blossoming yoga instructor, Namaste. To you, Miss Omaha Wellesley Michael, NamaSLAY.
Photo courtesy Michael Dar
“I had nightmares every night.”
“I didn’t understand why it was happening.”
“I didn’t want people to judge me.”
This year, 16 incredible young women will take the stage in North Platte to compete for the title of Miss Nebraska. We only see the sparkle and the smiles.. we don’t always see the story behind each contestant, the life experiences that contributed to who each person is.
One of these women is tired of hiding. Her name is Tristen, and she is determined to share her story with every, single person willing to listen.
Photo courtesy Jenn Cady Photography
Miss Old West Balloon Fest 2017 Tristen Wecker
“As one of the 1 in 6 women who have been/will be sexually assaulted in their lifetime, I know how important it is to educate America on this problem,” Tristen told me recently. “Sexual assault is often put on the back burner and not addressed due to its sensitive and uncomfortable status. Well guess what, I’m not here to make people feel comfortable; I am here to save lives.”
***
Tristen Wecker is part of a unique Miss Nebraska class; she is one of 13 contestants this year who have never competed at Miss Nebraska before.
“I have always admired the Miss Nebraska Organization,” said Tristen. “It really is an organization that represents such poise, elegance, and empowerment. Last year I decided I was ready to be one of those girls who makes a difference in her community and stands for something she believes in. I competed in my first ever pageant last year and was amazed at how much it had to offer me. Aside from the countless friendships I made, I also took away with me interview skills, a better view of myself as a woman, and scholarship money for college. Even though I didn’t walk away with a crown that night, I knew competing in the Miss Nebraska Organization was something that God had put on my heart. I have so much to teach others and so much to share about my platform.”
Tristen returned to compete in the first preliminary pageants possible to qualify for Miss Nebraska 2017.. and she won, crowned Miss Old West Balloon Fest last summer.
“I knew this was a sign from God that I was ready to make an impact,” said Tristen. “With a crown on my head and the Lord at my side, I knew that this was my calling.”
Young women join our program for any number of reasons; they love to perform, they enjoy networking and meeting people, and they benefit from the thousands in cash scholarships we offer. Tristen, a Minatare High School graduate now studying at Black Hills State University, was drawn to all of it.
“Being driven is a huge part of where I am now,” said Tristen. “When I want something for myself or another person, I do everything I can to help make it happen. Between juggling 18 credit hours in college, volunteering for local organizations, working part-time, being family oriented and preparing for Miss Nebraska, I have no choice but to be motivated. Being driven has helped me achieve everything that I have done so far.”
Tristen was also eager to share a message. To many of our titleholders, this is known as a platform of service. To Tristen, it’s an opportunity to expose part of her soul in the hopes of helping others.
“When I was 5 or 6 years old, I remember a series of strange events happening to me,” described Tristen. Her story is graphic and disturbing, detailing years of assaults she kept quiet from everyone.
“I finally decided to say something when I was in 7th grade,” said Tristen. “I was at a Wednesday night Youth Group and my youth pastor had a lesson that had really told me that it was time. All of a sudden I see myself pouring my heart out to my pastor. I had no intentions of this happening that night. I felt a sigh of relief when she listened and I learned that the same thing had happened to her when she was young. I felt comfort in sharing my secret to someone who understood. I thought that she could help me in this silent battle. A couple days later, I am at school and get called to the office. My school counselor informs me that we are headed to CAPWN, a local organization that takes on cases like mine. I knew what was happening. I was so angry, words couldn’t even explain. I thought to myself, how could she say something? My entire high school life is going to be ruined, I’ll never be liked. I hated myself and everyone.”
Tristen began counseling, and in time, opened herself to support, encouragement and confidence.
“I realized what an amazing woman I am,” said Tristen. “At this time I was an 11th grader, I had more volunteer hours than I could count, I had straight A’s, I was a starter in volleyball and basketball, and was the captain of the cheerleading squad. I really evaluated myself and thought, ‘Why are you hiding your secret? You are a bad-ass woman and its time to stand up for those who can’t’. (Excuse my language, I NEVER cuss, but that was literally my thought that day.)”
Tristen is now using her notoriety as a Miss Nebraska titleholder to share that lesson and to address taboos about sexual assault, assumptions even victims may feel about their situations and about themselves.
“Through the Miss Nebraska Organization, I am able to educate citizens on how to identify if someone has been assaulted, how to be an effective bystander, and the legalities and right you are entitled to as a survivor,” said Tristen. “Being encouraging is something that is so important to me. When I look back at past events in my life, I remember those who supported and encouraged me through my journeys. I remember how good it felt for someone to believe in me. I strive to make others feel that way.”
***
“Creating lifelong friendships is better than any gown I could try on.”
“I am thankful that my struggles have made me realize my true self and my purpose in life.”
“I’m not quite where I want to be, but I know I will get there.”
In preparing to write this article, I told Tristen how sorry I was all of this had happened to her. She told me, “Don’t feel sorry, God had it happen for a reason and now I know why!” This incredible young woman chose to speak out. Beyond just breaking her silence, she turned the volume up to 10, hoping to make a difference for someone else. She exemplifies what I hope people in our audience in North Platte and far beyond remember about all of our contestants.. that they are so much more than sparkle and smiles. They are style, success, scholarship and service. And in the case of Tristen Wecker, Miss Old West Balloon Fest.. STRENGTH.
Photo courtesy Henry Roy Photography
“Obviously, my goal is to win Miss Nebraska,” said Tristen. “It has been my dream to represent this great state with grace and elegance. I am confident that I would serve the title well. If my dreams come true and I win, I hope to share my platform on the Miss America stage and reach millions of people who desperately need to hear my message. To me, sharing my platform is more important than winning the Miss America crown, but doing both would be nice.”
Photo courtesy Jenn Cady Photography
Miss Kool-Aid Days 2017 Krista Hinrichs
Krista is a brand new titleholder in the Miss Nebraska Organization, showcasing her own ‘live for the moment’ mantra when she signed up to compete for Miss Kool-Aid Days last summer.
“Before 2016 I don’t think I could ever picture myself gliding across a stage in a formal gown or speaking in front of hundreds people,” said Krista. “One of my close friends, Chelsea Arnold (Miss Kool-Aid Days 2016, click here to read more).
And since that night, Krista has graciously accepted and embraced every life experience that crown and sash have offered her.
“In the past few months I have had the opportunity to go to parades and perform, speak to schools about my platform and participate in so many fun events that I will cherish forever,” said Krista. “I have been able to volunteer throughout my community and help others in need and find out more about how others live around me. I have learned so much about communicating with others and being able to stand up in front of others and express what is important to me. The Miss Nebraska [program] has given me more confidence than I knew I was capable of.”
“My platform is Distracted Driving,” said Krista. “[This] affects all ages and everyone has a voice when it comes to protecting the ones we love. It is important for older ages to be informed on the dangers they have on others if they are driving while distracted. It is also important for younger ages to understand that even though they are not driving they can always remind their parents or older siblings that they love them and they want everyone to arrive at the destination safely.”
Krista does all of this; speaking at schools, volunteering at events and advocating for important causes, while studying at Midland University, where she’s majoring in Psychology and Art Management and performing for the school’s award winning dance squad.
“I always remember to set goals for myself and push myself to achieve my goals one step at a time,” said Krista. “Whether its working towards a first place award at a dance competition, achieving a high GPA or going for Miss Nebraska, everything comes in steps and each step will bring me closer to achieving my dreams. While balancing school, dance team, family, friends and pageant events I have learned to make the balance equal between all of these activities so I can be the best I can be in each area.”
This young woman is making the most of every day, filling her life with meaningful moments while appreciating every person and experience. Much of that she credits to self determination, compassion for others and positivity.. traits she hopes to impress upon others throughout this special year.
“I love taking any opportunity I can get to be a role model for others,” said Krista. “This organization has allowed me to serve in a way where younger girls can look up to me and I can offer them words of encouragement and allow them to believe in themselves.”
Krista’s goals: she wants to take the feedback she receives competing and use that to improve as a person, while also supporting her fellow contestants in anyway she can. She wants to raise as much money as possible for the Children’s Miracle Network of Hospitals, money that goes straight to our local hospitals and doctors finding ways to save little boys like Trucker. (To date, she’s raised $1857) To everyone who meets Miss Kool-Aid Days 2017 Krista Hinrichs, whether it be a little girl at a parade or a someone simply looking for inspiration, she offers a reminder to live in the now and to be grateful for every minute.
Photo courtesy Studio 709 Photography
“I would be honored and thrilled if I was crowned the next Miss Nebraska,” said Krista. “I also hope to always continue to be a role model to others throughout my life and be there for others whenever they may need me. My final goal is to always be happy and positive and enjoy every moment of this amazing experience.”
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